What do you think?
Rate this book
Bite Back #7
Queen of Diamonds
A wild ride of Special Ops attacks, unwinnable werewolf challenges, terrifying magical powers, insane Athanate politics and the discovery of a fanatic, anti-paranormal cult. Amber has to race from the Mexican desert to the swamps of Louisiana to battle past mutant shifters, and make ill-considered alliances with old enemies to take on an evil witch queen.
She has one card up her sleeve: she can embrace the darkness that is her inheritance and use the unholy power of a forgotten spirit world god.
But nothing is free. Will it cost her life, or only her soul?
She has one card up her sleeve: she can embrace the darkness that is her inheritance and use the unholy power of a forgotten spirit world god.
But nothing is free. Will it cost her life, or only her soul?
430 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 28, 2021
305 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Mark Henwick
42 books363 followersI was born in Africa and left out in the sun too often.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 7, 2022
The first six books in the Bite Back series are books of becoming. Inside Straight (book 6) felt very much like an end to that part of the story. Amber Farrell has grown into her three parts, her athenate, were and adept.
Queen of Diamonds is a new chapter. Her house, her pack and her coven are all united and now she must move forward with uniting the werewolves and the athenate of North America while fighting a secret war against their enemies.
Amber travels from Denver to New Mexico and then on to Louisiana battling House Matlal. But there are rumours of a powerful witch in New Orleans, a witch who is the goddess of her own world.
It really is difficult to talk about this book. The entire series has been 4 or 5 Stars for me, and this is probably my favorite book in the series. It has everything you expect from an Amber Farrell book but the ending is a complete mind fuck. I finished a week ago and I still don't really know what just hit me. I suspect I will need the next book before I start to understand what just happened.
Queen of Diamonds is a new chapter. Her house, her pack and her coven are all united and now she must move forward with uniting the werewolves and the athenate of North America while fighting a secret war against their enemies.
Amber travels from Denver to New Mexico and then on to Louisiana battling House Matlal. But there are rumours of a powerful witch in New Orleans, a witch who is the goddess of her own world.
It really is difficult to talk about this book. The entire series has been 4 or 5 Stars for me, and this is probably my favorite book in the series. It has everything you expect from an Amber Farrell book but the ending is a complete mind fuck. I finished a week ago and I still don't really know what just hit me. I suspect I will need the next book before I start to understand what just happened.
Read
August 14, 2021"Queen of Diamonds" had tons of whiplash action and I couldn't remember half of what was happening or why. I'm not a fan of rehashing previous events from other books but the Bite Back world is so elaborate I became lost with each continuing plotline, the multitude of characters, and the politics/gods of this world. I fear this may be the last book I read as the connection I once had to the protagonist, Amber Farrell, is lost.
March 25, 2021
Decent
A good continuation of the series. Some of the characters lacked depth/realism. If food, it’d be an okay local place.
A good continuation of the series. Some of the characters lacked depth/realism. If food, it’d be an okay local place.
February 23, 2021
A heart pumping and exhilarating read that will literally have you on the edge of your seat and holding your breath for pretty much the whole book. Amber does not lead a boring or an easy life. With every new chapter, eery new risk, she takes on more experience, responsibility and grows ever more into her powers. An uber power? Absolutely not, she makes mistakes, relies on her friends and allies, takes risks and and often questions the costs of her decisions. All of this makes Amber one of my favourite characters in urban fantasy ever. If I ever wanted to sum up the genre in a perfect package for another reader with a series that delivers it all this world comes up there at the top.
In this outing Amber is of course trying to do too much, in too little time, with each of her superiors demanding something of her. I really felt though that we are finally seeing her develop into the person she is going to become. More than ever her triple nature is beginning to meld and her wolf, athanate and adept natures are settling with each other and Amber is coping capably with them all.
She is finally allowed to leave Denver, and take on a trip that will help both Were and Athante politics, and settle something more personal. I loved the Were mission to rid the world of a slice of evil, her team working together in a way that was a joy to read. Harking back to her secret ops days, I felt like I lived every second with her. Amongst all the big problems, there are chances to do little things that make big differences and Amber's kindness and humanity is always on display. But life can't be simple and unexpected problems crop up, and it appears that there is threat that was unanticipated and Amber must accept help from a very new and dangerous quarter, and tackle an extremely dangerous foe.
You can't read this book on it's own, the whole Bite Back series must be read in order but if you haven't then you are in for an enormous treat. Truly wonderful, l loved every second of this.
In this outing Amber is of course trying to do too much, in too little time, with each of her superiors demanding something of her. I really felt though that we are finally seeing her develop into the person she is going to become. More than ever her triple nature is beginning to meld and her wolf, athanate and adept natures are settling with each other and Amber is coping capably with them all.
She is finally allowed to leave Denver, and take on a trip that will help both Were and Athante politics, and settle something more personal. I loved the Were mission to rid the world of a slice of evil, her team working together in a way that was a joy to read. Harking back to her secret ops days, I felt like I lived every second with her. Amongst all the big problems, there are chances to do little things that make big differences and Amber's kindness and humanity is always on display. But life can't be simple and unexpected problems crop up, and it appears that there is threat that was unanticipated and Amber must accept help from a very new and dangerous quarter, and tackle an extremely dangerous foe.
You can't read this book on it's own, the whole Bite Back series must be read in order but if you haven't then you are in for an enormous treat. Truly wonderful, l loved every second of this.
February 8, 2021
More exciting times with Amber and friends
Like all of the books in this series there is plenty of action, well paced and with good flow. Amber is a team player, and she continues to grow her team (house, pack and adepts). Amber is finally learning to manage the politics of the groups, but still dislikes it. She is still growing and changing, but also still recognizably herself.
Editing meets the high standards I've come to expect from Mark's books. If you've enjoyed the series so far, there is now more to enjoy :). If you haven't read any of the Bite Back series yet, then I would highly recommend taking a look at the first book, Sleight of Hand.
And now I have to wait impatiently for the next book. Because Mark still hasn't found a way to write them faster than I can read them ;).
Like all of the books in this series there is plenty of action, well paced and with good flow. Amber is a team player, and she continues to grow her team (house, pack and adepts). Amber is finally learning to manage the politics of the groups, but still dislikes it. She is still growing and changing, but also still recognizably herself.
Editing meets the high standards I've come to expect from Mark's books. If you've enjoyed the series so far, there is now more to enjoy :). If you haven't read any of the Bite Back series yet, then I would highly recommend taking a look at the first book, Sleight of Hand.
And now I have to wait impatiently for the next book. Because Mark still hasn't found a way to write them faster than I can read them ;).
January 31, 2021
Best one yet
Wow this book really jumps right into the deep end of the mystical side of the story. The books upto now have been more typical Urban Fantasy, very much based in the 'real world' but this one is largely in the 'spirit world' and does it very well. The complexity and interwoveness of the writing reminds me of a bit of Jim Butcher. This has really become one of my top 5 favorite UF along with Dresden Files, Monster Hunter International, jane Yellowrock and Pax Arcana.
Wow this book really jumps right into the deep end of the mystical side of the story. The books upto now have been more typical Urban Fantasy, very much based in the 'real world' but this one is largely in the 'spirit world' and does it very well. The complexity and interwoveness of the writing reminds me of a bit of Jim Butcher. This has really become one of my top 5 favorite UF along with Dresden Files, Monster Hunter International, jane Yellowrock and Pax Arcana.
February 22, 2021
Bombs, witches, wolves and Gods
Fast paced, great fighting scenes and world building with a pinch of god syndrome to kill an evil witch! This series just keeps getting deeper and better, go House Farrell! You wont be disappointed, you can see we are heading toward unity of the paranormals and the waking of humans. But what a ride...hope we don't have to wait so long for the next book!
Fast paced, great fighting scenes and world building with a pinch of god syndrome to kill an evil witch! This series just keeps getting deeper and better, go House Farrell! You wont be disappointed, you can see we are heading toward unity of the paranormals and the waking of humans. But what a ride...hope we don't have to wait so long for the next book!
February 4, 2021
I really enjoyed Queen of Diamonds. As always, the author's attention to detail on locations--scenery and cultural--really helped me feel like I was there. The author's description of the final battle was a masterpiece. His balancing of Amber's development while limiting some of her previous advantages was very well done, and kept me wondering how she would make out in the end.
One of my favorite re-read series.
One of my favorite re-read series.
February 5, 2021
I am a huge fan of Amber Farrell and lose sleep each time a new book comes out. I'm glad I read each one more than once since I always rush through the first time I read them. As Amber understands more of her power and how to use them, she faces even greater challenges and dangers. If you're a fan of this series, you will love this book as well.
February 22, 2021
Excellent continuation of series
Amber is my favorite series. I enjoyed this book. Lots of characters to track. Many new characters and some from previous books. I am glad Amber has mostly worked through her past. Book after book of remaining mired in the past isn’t interesting. Seeing progression forward is good. Looking forward to next book.
Amber is my favorite series. I enjoyed this book. Lots of characters to track. Many new characters and some from previous books. I am glad Amber has mostly worked through her past. Book after book of remaining mired in the past isn’t interesting. Seeing progression forward is good. Looking forward to next book.
June 2, 2021
Jeez I love this series
How does mark henwick come up with this stuff. Its kinda nuts. All these languages, different groups of people/paranormal creatures, altered states of being, thought patterns, fighting styles, timelines (real and imaginary) I'm a simple girl and usually would get lost in books like this, but I don't, and I GET it, and I seriously dig it!
How does mark henwick come up with this stuff. Its kinda nuts. All these languages, different groups of people/paranormal creatures, altered states of being, thought patterns, fighting styles, timelines (real and imaginary) I'm a simple girl and usually would get lost in books like this, but I don't, and I GET it, and I seriously dig it!
December 22, 2023
Were politics & athanate politics.
Glad this isn't the last in the series. There are too many loose ends. Amber gets smart & decides to go on the offense. She meets Zane & Alex in El Paso with the hope that they can go against the Were in Mexico. As if the fact that they were working with Matlal wasn't enough they were trafficking & selling drugs. Plus they get some solid information on Matlal to take back to the Assembly. Amber infuses two people to see what the outcome would be. It is quite fascinating that neither one has the same results. There is pressure to make more from Skylur's new Diakon. Amber has to fight Were hyena several times. Then there is the Swamp Queen who stole Gabrielle. And she gets introduced to a n old god from the City of Lost Gods who starts calling her his priestess. However, Amber has never been into sacrifices so the god doesn't get what he really wants. He wants to be able to come to earth. Amber isn't dumb enough to let that happen.
Glad this isn't the last in the series. There are too many loose ends. Amber gets smart & decides to go on the offense. She meets Zane & Alex in El Paso with the hope that they can go against the Were in Mexico. As if the fact that they were working with Matlal wasn't enough they were trafficking & selling drugs. Plus they get some solid information on Matlal to take back to the Assembly. Amber infuses two people to see what the outcome would be. It is quite fascinating that neither one has the same results. There is pressure to make more from Skylur's new Diakon. Amber has to fight Were hyena several times. Then there is the Swamp Queen who stole Gabrielle. And she gets introduced to a n old god from the City of Lost Gods who starts calling her his priestess. However, Amber has never been into sacrifices so the god doesn't get what he really wants. He wants to be able to come to earth. Amber isn't dumb enough to let that happen.
July 31, 2024
Mini-Series Material
The series is action packed out of the gate! The tempo changes but the speed is fast and supersonic. I thought this was the last book in the series and I was interested enough to find out when the next would be released. After reading the Facebook page for the bite back series, All I can say to the writer is I’m sorry for your loss.
The series is action packed out of the gate! The tempo changes but the speed is fast and supersonic. I thought this was the last book in the series and I was interested enough to find out when the next would be released. After reading the Facebook page for the bite back series, All I can say to the writer is I’m sorry for your loss.
January 31, 2021
Just gets better and better!
The best adult urban fantasy series out there! Intelligent, well written and sexy. There is no teen angst or sparkles in Mr. Henwick's books.
Queen of Diamonds is another amazing continuation of Amber's adventures, a definite must read.
The best adult urban fantasy series out there! Intelligent, well written and sexy. There is no teen angst or sparkles in Mr. Henwick's books.
Queen of Diamonds is another amazing continuation of Amber's adventures, a definite must read.
February 15, 2021
Just gets better.
Really like where the development of Amber's abilities are going as well as the continued intriguing plots with accompanying sub-plots.
There is really no substitue for having good plots and these books have them in spades.
Really like where the development of Amber's abilities are going as well as the continued intriguing plots with accompanying sub-plots.
There is really no substitue for having good plots and these books have them in spades.
February 25, 2021
Amber and the Big Easy
Another great entry in the Bites Back series. Mr. Henwick’s a terrific environment builder. I was really thrilled to find a new book in the series, having recently finished book six. Keep ‘em coming, Mike!
Another great entry in the Bites Back series. Mr. Henwick’s a terrific environment builder. I was really thrilled to find a new book in the series, having recently finished book six. Keep ‘em coming, Mike!
August 14, 2021
It's the voodoo that you do
A brilliant adventure in magic.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I love this series and I can't wait to read more.
If you love all things paranormal you will love this series.
A brilliant adventure in magic.
Great characters with realistic situations and lots of action and adventure.
I love this series and I can't wait to read more.
If you love all things paranormal you will love this series.
December 2, 2021
OK I like this series and I liked this book, though it didn't move the world building forward as much as the others. It's more like book #3 to me were the characters are dealing with a 'big bad' and the rest of the story weaves around that. Still, good writing and fun action.
January 29, 2021
Tangled as always
Mark as usual ties it all up with a good mix of action, plot, and character development with a barrel of snark. Love it it like cloudy sunrise
Mark as usual ties it all up with a good mix of action, plot, and character development with a barrel of snark. Love it it like cloudy sunrise
February 10, 2021
Another excellent book in the series. If u are a fan of the books then u will not be disappointed. This one pushes the plot forward a great deal. Really excited for the next book!!
February 10, 2021
Fantastic
I love this series. I get so excited every time a new book comes out they keep me captivated from the first word to the last. Highly recommend
I love this series. I get so excited every time a new book comes out they keep me captivated from the first word to the last. Highly recommend
April 20, 2021
Excellent writing, fascinating world building, engrossing story arc and absolutely wonderful characters. Complex and intelligent. Who could ask for anything more ?!?
May 12, 2021
Well worth the long wait.
When the first book was released I was drawn into the world of the Athenate.
I am in awe of the imagination that has led us all through to possible Emergence and cannot wait to discover the outcome. Please don't have us anticipating for too long .Totally the read of your life. Do not hesitate to dive in.
When the first book was released I was drawn into the world of the Athenate.
I am in awe of the imagination that has led us all through to possible Emergence and cannot wait to discover the outcome. Please don't have us anticipating for too long .Totally the read of your life. Do not hesitate to dive in.
September 5, 2021
It's not done!
I thought this was the final book. It seems there is a whole new chapter. Let's see where that leads
I thought this was the final book. It seems there is a whole new chapter. Let's see where that leads
June 29, 2022
WOW
This is the seventh book in this series. If you're still up for more books there are four small book in this series.
This is the seventh book in this series. If you're still up for more books there are four small book in this series.
August 24, 2024
Exceptional Series
I really appreciate the complexity of the characters and the clarity and depth of the world created. It keeps you guessing as surprises keep popping up. There are so many characters you almost need a recap at the beginning to remember them all.
I really appreciate the complexity of the characters and the clarity and depth of the world created. It keeps you guessing as surprises keep popping up. There are so many characters you almost need a recap at the beginning to remember them all.
August 23, 2024
A really exciting and enjoyable series!!!!!
Congratulations to Mark Henwick for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
Congratulations to Mark Henwick for this amazing series. It’s hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book in the series.
December 9, 2025
Just when I think Amber can't hit harder...I'm proven wrong. Awesome entry in the series!
December 12, 2023
Entertaining
This Bite Back series is very entertaining. I am hoping the series goes on and on!!
Can't wait for the next one.
This Bite Back series is very entertaining. I am hoping the series goes on and on!!
Can't wait for the next one.
August 11, 2024
love love love
Love these books. Read them back to back. Can't wait for 8. Best set this year by far. Fall in love with the characters.
Love these books. Read them back to back. Can't wait for 8. Best set this year by far. Fall in love with the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews